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Compare rental cars from top providers in Niagara Falls, NY with Road Genius. From small economy cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up downtown, at Niagara Falls International Airport or at nearby Buffalo Niagara International Airport and hit the road to the falls, local wineries or Toronto on your own schedule.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls City Rentals | • Convenient for visitors already in Niagara Falls • Lower base rates than airport rentals • Close to major attractions |
• Limited vehicle selection • Restricted business hours • May have limited availability during peak season |
| Buffalo Niagara Int'l Airport (BUF) | • Largest selection of vehicles • Major rental companies on-site • Extended hours aligned to flight schedules • Competitive pricing due to more options |
• 25-30 miles (40-48 km) from Niagara Falls (around 30-minute drive) • Airport concession fees (around 11%) • Additional facilities charges |
| Niagara Falls Int'l Airport (IAG) | • Closest airport to the falls (around 4 miles / 6 km) • More convenient than BUF if flying here • Less crowded than Buffalo airport |
• Limited flight service • Fewer rental options than BUF • May have higher rates due to less competition |
On average, car rentals in Niagara Falls cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare pickup spots – Buffalo Airport (BUF) adds roughly 11 % in concession fees. If you can shuttle 30 min to a Niagara Falls city branch, the base rate is often lower.
Book early only for peak months – prices jump in June-August. Grab a cancel-free reservation 2-3 months out, then re-check and re-book if the cost dips.
Test a "weekly" quote even for 4-5 days – in this area a 7-day rate can beat the summed daily price.
Skip the daily toll gadget – Grand Island bridges and Rainbow Bridge tolls are cheap and payable online, saving the transponder rental fee.
Use NY's free spouse driver rule – spouses/domestic partners cost $0 to add, so don't let the counter charge you.
Return on the same side of the border – crossing into Canada is free, but dropping the car there triggers big one-way fees.
| Area | Street Parking | Garages/Lots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara Falls State Park | Limited | • Multiple lots available • Daily fee applies |
• Fills quickly in summer before noon • Consider a spot farther away and walking • Lot 1 closest to American Falls |
| Downtown Niagara Falls | • Metered spots available • Some free spots have time limits |
• Casino garages • Private lots near attractions |
• Casino lots may be free if you have a players card • Hotels often charge a daily fee • Read signs carefully for restrictions |
| Canadian Side | Limited | • Fallsview area paid lots • Table Rock lot close to Horseshoe Falls • WEGO bus areas |
• More expensive than US side • Consider finding a spot once and using WEGO bus system |
No handheld cell phone use while driving (strictly enforced on both sides)
Grand Island Bridges on I-190: Cashless tolls
Options for handling tolls:
Rent a car to easily:
Buffalo – museums, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture
Letchworth State Park – gorge views, waterfalls
Toronto – CN Tower, waterfront
Niagara Wine Trails – vineyards on both US and Canada sides
Do I need a special permit or insurance to drive my rental car into Canada? You don't need a special permit, but you should tell your rental company you plan to drive to Canada. Most major rental companies let you drive their cars across the border for free. Your rental insurance usually covers both countries, but you should ask at pickup to be sure. Make sure you have your rental agreement when you cross.
What documents do I need to cross the border with a rental car? Everyone in the car needs a valid passport (or an enhanced driver's license or NEXUS card). You also need the rental agreement to show you can drive the car. Bring your driver's license and proof of insurance too.
How long should I plan to wait at the border crossing? How long you wait depends a lot on the season, day of the week and time of day. You might wait over 60–90 minutes during summer and holidays. You usually won't wait as long on weekday mornings. You can check border wait times online before you leave. The website updates them often.
Can I return my rental car on the opposite side of the border from where I picked it up? Some companies let you do a cross-border one-way rental, but you have to set it up ahead of time and it often costs a lot more. They don't offer this for all locations or types of cars, so you should check if it's possible (and see the total cost) before you book. It's usually cheaper to return the car in the same country where you picked it up.
Is parking difficult to find near Niagara Falls? During busy times like summer and holidays, parking lots near the falls fill up fast, especially by mid-morning. But, you can find many other lots that charge different prices. You'll usually find cheaper parking on the American side than on the Canadian side. You could park once for the day and then walk or take a shuttle to get around.
What's the best time to visit Niagara Falls to avoid traffic and parking issues? To have the best time and avoid big crowds, you should visit on a weekday in late spring (May) or early fall (September). If you go during the busy season, get there before 9 AM to find a parking spot and see the sights before the tour buses show up. Fewer people visit in the winter, but some attractions might be closed or have shorter hours.
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